Parents often find themselves asking, “Why Do Babies Fight Sleep?” It’s a common concern when you see your little one resisting nap time or bedtime, appearing wide awake and unwilling to settle down. You might have heard the term “FOMO baby” – fear of missing out – used to describe these alert and active infants. But is FOMO the only reason, or even the main reason, behind sleep struggles?
The concept of a “FOMO baby” paints a picture of a highly curious and engaged infant, constantly exploring their surroundings and seemingly too interested in the world to pause for sleep. These babies are often described as being on the move, wanting to be part of the action, and easily stimulated by their environment. Does this sound like your baby? It’s understandable to wonder if their resistance to sleep stems from a desire to not miss out on anything happening around them.
Indeed, babies who seem to have FOMO might particularly struggle with sleep in certain situations. Falling asleep on the go, in unfamiliar places, or when there are visitors at home can be challenging for them. Protests and crying during sleep routines are also common signs. It can seem as though they understand it’s time for sleep but are reluctant because it means disconnecting from the ongoing activities and interactions.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that what appears to be FOMO might actually be rooted in other common developmental stages and needs. Separation anxiety, for instance, can manifest as sleep resistance because babies don’t want to be apart from their caregivers. Similarly, as babies reach developmental milestones, their drive to practice new skills can override their need for sleep. Furthermore, energetic and busy babies can easily become overtired if their cues are missed, ironically leading to more sleep fighting.
Whether your baby’s sleep resistance is truly due to a sense of FOMO or other underlying factors, understanding the reasons is the first step to finding effective solutions.
How to Help Your Baby Stop Fighting Sleep
While pinpointing the exact reason for your baby fighting sleep can be complex, implementing strategies that support healthy sleep habits is universally beneficial. One of the most impactful approaches is to pay close attention to wake windows.
1. Follow Age-Appropriate Wake Windows
A wake window is the period of time your baby is awake between sleep periods. It begins when they wake up from a nap or for the day and ends when they are put down for their next sleep. Understanding and adhering to age-appropriate wake windows is fundamental for establishing a successful sleep schedule.
Wake windows that are too long can easily lead to overtiredness. When a baby becomes overtired, their bodies produce cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones that make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Paradoxically, being too tired can make sleep elusive.
Conversely, wake windows that are too short can mean your baby simply isn’t tired enough when you attempt to put them down for sleep. They may not have built up sufficient sleep pressure to easily drift off, resulting in resistance and struggles at nap time or bedtime.
Finding the right balance with wake windows is key. By observing your baby’s sleepy cues and aligning their awake time with age-based recommendations, you can optimize their chances of falling asleep more easily and enjoying more restful sleep. There are readily available resources that provide guidance on age-appropriate wake windows, which can be invaluable in setting up your baby’s day and night for sleep success.
In conclusion, while the idea of a “FOMO baby” captures the spirited nature of some infants who seem resistant to sleep, it’s important to consider a broader range of factors that contribute to sleep struggles. Whether it’s managing wake windows, addressing potential overtiredness, or understanding developmental stages like separation anxiety, a holistic approach to baby sleep will be the most effective in helping your little one – and you – achieve more peaceful nights and naps.
